McLaren Vale Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

McLaren Vale
McLaren Vale
McLaren Vale
McLaren Vale
d\'Arenberg Wines
Enjoy watersports, visit historical buildings, explore a shipwreck and go on wine-tasting tours in one of South Australia's oldest wine regions.

For nearly 200 years, the landscape and soils of McLaren Vale have been producing wines, among them shiraz, tempranillo and cabernet. With more than 100 vineyards, there is no shortage of places to stop and sample local varieties. But the region also has a lot more going on beyond its wine production. Hike through the picturesque countryside, visit historic towns and relax on a beach.

Find superb wines across the region by going on organized or self-guided wine tours. One way to reach some of the wineries is to walk or cycle the 5-mile (8-kilometer) Shiraz Trail. The route follows an old railway line through the scenic surroundings, passing wineries and olive groves.

Combine your wine tastings with exploration of other McLaren Vale attractions. Experience even more of the beautiful scenery by walking or cycling along the many dedicated paths. Go bushwalking in the Onkaparinga River National Park and kayak on the Onkaparinga River, the second longest in the state.

Sample cheeses, chutneys and other local produce at the Willunga Farmers Market, held every Saturday morning in Willunga's town square. Among the town’s other sites of interest are the 19th-century old courthouse and police station and the old post office and telegraph station. Visit additional old buildings in the historic towns of Clarendon and Old Reynella.

Spend some time in the town of McLaren Vale, browsing boutiques and art galleries and dining in its restaurants.

Relax on one of the beaches along the region's extensive coastline. Dive the wreck of the Star of Greece at Aldinga Beach, surf and swim at Moana Beach and snorkel and scuba dive the reef at Port Noarlunga.

The easiest way to get around to McLaren Vale's wineries, beaches and historic towns is in a rental car. Get to the region in about 45 minutes by car from Adelaide, a journey of about 25 miles (40 kilometers). There are also bus services between the city and some of the region’s towns.


Popular places to visit

Activities


Our pick of the best McLaren Vale Hotel Deals

Serafino McLaren Vale
Serafino McLaren Vale
4 out of 5
39 Kangarilla Road, McLaren Vale, SA
The price is AU$185 per night from 7 Apr to 8 Apr
AU$185
includes taxes & fees
7 Apr - 8 Apr
Stay at this 4-star motel in Adelaide. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (651 reviews)
"Serafino has beautiful grounds and is nice and quiet but at the same time close enough to walk (about 25 minutes) into town for some shopping or a meal."

Reviewed on 31 Mar. 2025

Serafino McLaren Vale
Stamford Plaza Adelaide
Stamford Plaza Adelaide
5 out of 5
150 North Terrace, Adelaide, SA
The price is AU$188 per night from 16 Apr to 17 Apr
AU$188
includes taxes & fees
16 Apr - 17 Apr
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Adelaide. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,026 reviews)
"Xyzabc"

Reviewed on 29 Mar. 2025

Stamford Plaza Adelaide
Hilton Adelaide
Hilton Adelaide
5 out of 5
233 Victoria Square, Adelaide, SA
The price is AU$146 per night from 17 Apr to 18 Apr
AU$146
includes taxes & fees
17 Apr - 18 Apr
Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Adelaide. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), 24-hour room service, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,004 reviews)
"It was great"

Reviewed on 26 Mar. 2025

Hilton Adelaide
Mayfair Hotel
Mayfair Hotel
5 out of 5
45 King William Street, Adelaide, SA
The price is AU$234 per night from 4 Apr to 5 Apr
AU$234
includes taxes & fees
4 Apr - 5 Apr
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Adelaide. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,011 reviews)
"Good location"

Reviewed on 30 Mar. 2025

Mayfair Hotel
Stamford Grand Adelaide
Stamford Grand Adelaide
5 out of 5
2 Jetty Road Moseley Square, Glenelg, SA
The price is AU$188 per night from 21 Apr to 22 Apr
AU$188
includes taxes & fees
21 Apr - 22 Apr
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Adelaide. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,095 reviews)
"Lovely staff, loved the upgrade to the beach view room, it was beautiful! Large room, comfy bed. The pool was really lovely. Great location."

Reviewed on 1 Apr. 2025

Stamford Grand Adelaide
Holiday Inn Express Adelaide City Centre by IHG
Holiday Inn Express Adelaide City Centre by IHG
4 out of 5
30 Blyth Street, Adelaide, SA
The price is AU$139 per night from 27 Apr to 28 Apr
AU$139
includes taxes & fees
27 Apr - 28 Apr
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Adelaide. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
Clean comfy room
"Clean modern room with wifi nice view and desk to work from. Not big rooms but well sized. Bonus with chrome cast to tv streaming. Couldn’t ask for more"

Reviewed on 1 Apr. 2025

Holiday Inn Express Adelaide City Centre by IHG
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around McLaren Vale

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Port Willunga

Port Willunga might not have many top sights, but Port Willunga Beach and Aldinga Scrub Conservation Park are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Port Willunga
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Port Noarlunga

While visiting Port Noarlunga, you might make a stop by sights like Port Noarlunga Jetty and Port Noarlunga Beach.

Port Noarlunga
Aldinga Beach

Aldinga Beach

Travellers like the beaches in Aldinga Beach, and Aldinga Beach is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Aldinga Beach
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Christies Beach

The beaches and restaurants are just a few features travellers like about Christies Beach. If you want to do some sightseeing nearby, Port Noarlunga Jetty and Port Noarlunga Beach are a few top places to visit.

Christies Beach
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Brighton

Unique features of Brighton include the beaches and restaurants. Make a stop by Brighton Beach or Brighton Jetty while you're exploring the area.

Brighton
Glenelg showing heritage architecture and a park

Glenelg

Enjoy the stunning beaches in Glenelg. Jetty Road is a worthwhile stop, and you can jump on the metro at Jetty Road (Stop 16) Tram Stop or Moseley Square (Stop 17) Tram Stop to see more of Adelaide.

Glenelg


McLaren Vale Travel Guide

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